COVID-19 Communication

April 8, 2020

March 20, 2020

March 19, 2020

As FCS is completing the end of week 1 of @HomeLearning, and are asking for parent, student and teacher feedback. Please take a few moments to complete this survey. This survey will close at noon, this Saturday, March 21.

Please visit this link for a 2020 Parent's Guide to Google Classroom, which will better familiarize you with Google Classroom in the event you or your child needs assistance.

March 18, 2020

Franklin Community Schools buildings are now closed. If you have a question, please send it to fcscommunications@franklinschools.org or your child's building principal or teacher.

March 13, 2020

Good afternoon,

First of all, FCS would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this uncharted territory. We understand that there will be hiccups, frustrations, collaboration, and creativity happening over the next few weeks, but we also understand that everyone is doing their best to serve our students. Here is a quick update on what will take place on Monday.

Meals - Our amazing food service staff will be preparing and distributing meals.

Meals for students are served "Grab and Go". Breakfasts and lunches will be packaged together for several days of use.

Service Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

March 12, 2020

Dear FCS families,

I want to share the latest updates and decisions as the situation develops with Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). In a press release issued late this afternoon, Governor Holcomb provided guidance to all schools. Based on that guidance, we are joining the Johnson County Schools in taking proactive steps to slow this virus. Franklin Schools will be in attendance Friday, then beginning Monday will utilize eLearning until the start of spring break.

On April 1, FCS will review data and consult with state and local officials to determine our next steps as we look to return to school on April 6. Decisions will be communicated as they are made.

As communicated earlier, Franklin Community Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, March 13. During that time, employees will receive professional development that will further heighten their skills for @HomeLearning (extended eLearning).

This decision is precautionary. The Johnson County Health Department confirmed today the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County remains low, and none of those cases involve students or staff of Franklin Community Schools. The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority.

TIMELINE

3/13/2020 - Two-hour delay

3/16/2020 - 3/26/2020 - @HomeLearning / eLearning

3/27/2020 - 4/3/2020 - Spring Break

4/1/2020 - Next steps shared

What can I do to stop the spread of illness?

As with all illnesses, handwashing is the most effective way to stop the spread. Please remind your students to wash their hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) and to practice good hygiene.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than your hands, if a tissue is not available.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, call your healthcare provider to determine next steps for care.

FCS was recently made aware of three positive COVID - 19 cases in Johnson County, however, we have confirmed with the Johnson County Health Department that there is no connection to FCS.

FCS will continue to rely on the expertise of state and local health officials and will communicate factual information as we receive it.

March 10, 2020

Due to the most recent information available about the coronavirus (COVID-19), Franklin Community Schools is putting procedures in place to reduce the opportunity for exposure to the coronavirus or influenza. At this time, there has not been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our district or in Johnson County, and we remain in constant contact with public health officials. Between now and spring break, March 27, 2020, FCS will follow these procedures in our schools:

Students with a temperature of 100.0 or higher or those who are experiencing any respiratory symptoms, such as cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath will be sent home from school. Please keep your student home until they are symptom and fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

Teachers and staff are continually encouraging students to thoroughly wash hands.

The district has postponed and/or canceled field trips, convocations, PTO carnivals, reading nights, and clubs led by external volunteers, such as Bible Club and Study Connection.

The district has suspended non/school-sponsored team practices/events (ex., AAU, Regional club sports, FYB, etc.)

All external events in the Franklin Performing Arts Center will be canceled or postponed.

The following events have been canceled or postponed:

Kindergarten Registration will be postponed. Information will be shared with parents once this has been rescheduled.

Middle School band and choir ISSMA has been canceled.

FCMS will no longer host the Mid State Conference Wrestling Meet.

FCHS Spring Band Concert will be rescheduled.

Financial Aid Night (FAFSA) at the high school has been postponed.

Riley Dance Marathon has been postponed. (update - canceled)

Google Summit has been canceled.

For a complete list, or questions about a specific event not listed here, please contact your child’s school.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this situation. At this time, these restrictions are in place until at least spring break. FCS will continue to share updates. Please look for the next update to be shared on Monday, March 23.

I wanted to share information about Franklin Schools’ monitoring of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation. First, FCS does have a safety plan for this type of situation. While I hope it will not become necessary to enact it, the procedures are in place to handle situations regarding the spread of illness. The FCS safety committee, which oversees the school corporation's crisis plan, is ready to administer any steps needed to ensure student, faculty, and staff safety.

Please be assured that FCS will continue to work closely with local and federal health authorities. I have been in regular contact with the Johnson County Department of Health Officer and local pediatrician, Dr. Moorman, to ensure we have the most updated information. As always, the safety of our students, staff, and families remain a top priority, and we will act out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday preventive measures to control the spread of COVID-19:

Staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with sick people

Frequent, proper handwashing using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol